The Tampa Bay Rays have excelled throughout the history of their franchise, flipping established players into long-term assets. It is a cycle they continually go through and one that they always seem to get right.
Last year was a great example of how they operate. Outfielder Randy Arozarena had only two years of team control left after 2024. With his salary on the rise, the Rays decided to trade him to the Seattle Mariners, who were in desperate need of a lineup upgrade.
In exchange for their former All-Star outfielder, Tampa Bay received two prospects: right-handed pitcher Brody Hopkins and outfielder Aidan Smith. The Mariners are certainly happy with how things turned out. Arozarena was an All-Star this year and Seattle is in the ALCS.
The Rays are certainly thrilled with the return package as well. Both players they received have made some noise this season, with Hopkins’s performance being especially noteworthy.
Double-A Montgomery is overflowing with starting pitching talent. They advanced to the Southern League Championship Series, where they were defeated by the equally loaded Double-A Binghamton squad, the affiliate of the Mets.
Brody Hopkins has solidified his spot as Rays top pitching prospect